How To Commemorate Anzac Day At Home With Kids

It's one of the most symbolic days on the Australian calendar and in post-COVID Australia, we are encouraged to commemorate Anzac Day from our living rooms, backyards and driveways, as we remember the heroic armed forces. 

Here are some ways you can mark our national day of remembrance at home with kids

Live Stream Dawn and Commemorative Services

The ABC will broadcast official Anzac Day Services throughout the morning. Tune in to the Australian War Memorial Anzac Day Service live from the Australian War Memorial in Canberra from 5:30am.

There will also be a live 10am service from the Anzac Memorial in Sydney and a reflection video will be live-streamed across all ABC radio and ABC News Facebook pages at 11:30am.

Light Up The Dawn

RSL Clubs across the nation have come together to create a collective dawn service.  Thousands of Australians can be a part of the event by standing in their driveways (or living rooms) at 6:00am to Light Up The Dawn. Light a candle, stream the Last Post on YouTube (or play it on the bugle if you have one!) and get the neighbours involved to share a minute's silence and feel the community spirit.

You can also make a donation to the ANZAC Appeal and purchase supporter packs from the Military Shop.

Make History

The State Library of NSW has a vast collection of war-related material including a stunning photographic collection that captures three decades of veterans and spectators at Sydney's Anzac Day marches.

This year, amid the COVID-19 restrictions, the library wants photographs of your 'at-home commemorations' for the historic record, to document how the community are marking Anzac Day at this significant time in history.

Whether lighting a candle for the online dawn service, listening to the Last Post at the end of their driveway or playing two-up in your backyard, post your photo on Instagram or Twitter with the hashtag #NSWathome as well as #Anzacathome. Photos posted with the hashtag #NSWatHome will be displayed on the State Library website and collected via their Social Media Archive.

Record Your Community Ode

The RSL is also encouraging people to record a video of themselves reciting The Community Ode and post it to social media. Get the family together to express respect and support for veterans and join the virtual commemoration movement.

The Ode
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning.
We will remember them.

Get Crafty

After the morning services, you’ll still have an entire day at home to fill. So get your craft on with these fun DIY Poppy Projects made from paper plates and crepe paper.

Play Two-Up

This Aussie gambling game is only legal on this one day of remembrance, so salute the diggers with a flutter on their favourite pastime.

In a nutshell, you toss two coins in the air and place your bets on how they will fall - heads or tails. Play at home with all your over 18s or have a virtual party with friends via Facetime or Zoom. For a more detailed guide see The Official Rules Of Two-Up.

The kids can have their own mini two-up with an easy heads or tails tournament.

Bake Anzac Cookies

Finally, the tastiest tradition of all. Get the kids in the kitchen and whip up a batch of Anzac biscuits. You don’t need an excuse to make these delicious morsels any time of year, but there is no better way to reflect on the spirit of Anzac Day than with a cuppa and this sweet treat. 

It’s a quick and easy favourite that all Aussies know and love, and whether you like yours crunchy or chewy, we have an Anzac Biscuit recipe for you. 

 

More Fun Ways To Spend Time At Home

How To Celebrate Your Kids Birthday At Home
Live-Stream Pub Trivia and Virtual Quizzes You Can Do At Home
Creative Activities + Sensory Play For Kids

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